(a) whether the Indian students studying in various countries including Australia are
being attacked and victimized;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the action taken by the Government in this regard and the outcome thereof;
(d) whether the Government has taken up the matter with the Government of Australia to ensure safety and security of Indian students; and
(e) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(DR. SHASHI THAROOR)
(a) & (b): As reported by the Indian Missions abroad, there have been instances of
attacks on persons of Indian origin including students in Australia, the United Kingdom
and the United States of America over the past few years. A total of 50 such incidents of
attack in 2009, 103 incidents in 2010 and 15 such incidents in 2011 were reported from
Australia. Three incidents of attack on Indian students from the United Kingdom and four
such incidents in the United States of America have also been reported during 2010-12. No
incident of attack particularly aimed at Indian students has been reported from any other
country.
(c) to (e): The issue of attacks on Indian students in Australia, UK and USA has been taken
up at the highest level by the Government, including at the Ministerial level as well as
through the respective Indian Missions and our Consulates in Australia, UK and USA.
Specifically in the case of Australia, the Indian High Commission and the Consulates in
Australia remain in regular touch with the Australian authorities both at the federal and
the state level, as well as with the Indian community, to offer support and assistance
and follow-up on all reported cases of attacks. ‘Open Fridays’ were also observed whereby
Indian students in Australia could walk into the offices of the High Commission and the
Consulates without any prior appointment to discuss their problems and issues. Several
measures have been put in place by the Australian Government to improve the safety and
security of Indian students, at the Federal and State level.  These include deployment of
additional forces, amendments in sentencing laws and empowering police forces to combat
violence and anti-social behaviour.